Wherever you are right now – there was a time, not so long ago, when we were in each other’s company as a part of THE VOICE OF THE RIVER: The Grand River Community Play. A project that started at the headwaters of the Grand and traveled across the watershed all the way down to the mouth of the River at Lake Erie.
On behalf of the entire team (of which, in one way or another, you are a part), we’d like to take a moment to say thanks, a thanks filled with a whole lot of gratitude. So many things happened over the three years of building the Voice of the River through workshops, story circles, and overcoming challenges, but through it all, you treated us with kindness and respect, and we were mightily appreciative. You showed up, listened with care, shared stories of your heart, you sang, and you made and were part of a unique, creative event that celebrated the river and its communities – that celebrated the humanity in all of us.
We are back on the River this spring with the Grand River Quilt, taking it to different communities along the waterway. There will be music and stories too – so keep in touch via the Grandview Theatre and the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity websites for updates.
Thank you again for the ride of a lifetime.
Upcoming Events
| Shore to Shore (S2S) Conference | The Grand River Quilt Showcase |
| SHORE TO SHORE is a week-long journey across Western Newfoundland, co-collaborated with the CCRC, connecting communities through art, music, food, and stories from June 16–23, 2026. Grounded in Relational Wellness and Local Knowledge, it sparks conversation, creativity, and bold ideas for the future of rural life. > Visit the conference website | Experience The Grand River Quilt at WEFTfest in St. Jacobs (April 10–11)—a stunning community artwork made from 60 unique textile squares, each telling a story of life along the Grand River. Celebrate creativity, connection, and the river’s vibrant communities as this living quilt comes together for the first time in a public exhibition. > Learn more |
View the R2R24 Short Documentary
We want to thank everyone who participated in R2R24 in Blyth last October. It brought us to the Village to explore our differences together. Local documentarian Nick Vinnicombe from Walton put together a short documentary on the conference. We invite you to take a look and let us know what you think.
LAUNCHED!
Listen to the 6-episode podcast series.
A collection of sounds, stories, interviews and observations from Rural Talks to Rural 2024 – Exploring Our Differences Together, narrated by host, Shauna Rae of Radar Media.
NEWS
Press Release with comments from the Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson
Ontario Farmer, November 19, 2024 – “Story trios are a recommended way to talk out differences ~ Appreciative Inquiry helps cross rural community divides”
Wingham Advance Times, October 24, 2024 – “Connecting with the Land: Indigenous knowledge keepers lead reflective trail walk at R2R conference in Blyth“
The Huron Citizen, October 24, 2024 – “Blyth hosts Rural Talks to Rural conference, bring rural Canadians together“
Stops Along the Way, Fall 2024 (page 30) – “Rural Communities Connecting”
REPORTS AND OTHER MEDIA
Podcast Series
Pre and Post Conference Information
Conference Summary Report
Visual Wall including recap video on Day 3
Conference Photos
Reflections & Testimonials
In all matters it’s a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.
Bertand Russell
The CCRC strives to advance the needs and promote the interests of rural or remotely located communities: by facilitating research, disseminating information to the public, and, providing educational and networking opportunities to the public, and by engaging in public policy dialogue and development activities.
We strive to establish an inclusive gathering place, a place for creativity and meaningful participation
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